U.S. Representative Ted Poe returns to Washington following treatment for Leukemia

Jennifer Summer

Published 12:17 pm, Wednesday, September 7, 2016

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U.S. Representative Ted Poe, R-Texas, was greeted at the door of his office in Washington D.C. with orange balloons, orange streamers and an orange “Welcome Back” banner which was apropos since the color for leukemia awareness is orange. less

U.S. Representative Ted Poe, R-Texas, was greeted at the door of his office in Washington D.C. with orange balloons, orange streamers and an orange “Welcome Back” banner which was apropos since the color ... more

U.S. Representative Ted Poe returns to Washington following treatment for Leukemia

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After undergoing eight weeks of treatment at MD Anderson for Leukemia, U.S. Representative Ted Poe was back on the House Floor today to fight for his constituents.

Poe was greeted at the door into his office in Washington with orange balloons, orange streamers and an orange “Welcome Back” banner which was apropos since the color for Leukemia awareness is orange.

“I am very glad to be back in Washington D.C. and doing what I like to do — representing the good folks back in Texas,” Poe said in a phone interview. “I was looking forward to getting on the House Floor to speak and advocate for the people back home and that’s what I did. I flew to Washington D.C. today, landed and spoke twice on the House Floor.”

While Congress was out for summer, Poe remained in the Houston area to undergo treatment for Leukemia. He hopes to be present for as much of the fall session that his treatment schedule will allow.

“Fortunately, just eight weeks into treatment, I am feeling like myself again and am confident that I will beat cancer,” Poe said. “Incredible progress has been made so far thanks to the good Lord and the world-class team of physicians at MD Anderson Cancer Center.”

When it was first announced that Poe was diagnosed with Leukemia and throughout his treatment, he has been overwhelmed and humbled by the immense amount of support and encouragement he has received from everyone.

“It has been remarkable; everything from the #TeamPoe orange bracelets to the oatmeal raisin cookies, people sharing their experiences and stories with me; it has meant a lot to me,” Poe said. “Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.”

For Poe, it is extra special to be back in Washington D.C. and back on the House Floor because it is a big deal for him to be in a place where democracy is at work and history has taken place.

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“Whether we agree or we disagree on the floor, it’s an honor for each of us to be a member of the House and it is a privilege to serve the people of Texas,” Poe said. “When you hit a road block like being diagnosed with Leukemia, you appreciate the privilege more to represent our residents back home. It’s remarkable, in eight weeks, how far I’ve come and exciting to see what’s next.

“This September, during Leukemia Awareness Month, I intend to keep fighting this disease with all that I have while fighting for Texans in the House of Representatives, just as I always have. And that’s just the way it is.”